ROCKFORD — Aldermen approved plans to rebuild the former Ingersoll building into a downtown sports complex and agreed to purchase adjacent property for parking.

City Council members voted 10-3 Monday to express official intent to renovate the former industrial building on the east bank of the Rock River into a 100,000-square-foot, multi-sport facility and trade show space. Aldermen Venita Hervey, D-5, Frank Beach, R-10, and Ann Thompson-Kelly, D-7, voted no after expressing concerns about the city’s ability to pay for the project.

Ald. John Beck, R-12, abstained because of his employment with the Rockford Park District, a partner on the proposal.

Supporters herald the project because it may create 210 construction jobs and 250 full-time equivalent jobs within the first five years, according to an economic analysis. The downtown sports complex is project to pump $7.2 million into the private sector and generate more than $880,000 in tax revenue each year.

It’s projected to draw 235,000 people in its first year and 306,000 by its fifth year, bringing new potential customers to downtown businesses. The sports complex is also essential to a developer’s plans to build a downtown hotel and convention center.

Aldermen also voted Monday to buy the half-empty buildings of the former Watch Factory on 3.4 acres at 325 S. Madison St. for $580,000.

It’s a price aldermen weren’t willing to pay a little more than a year ago, when it was rejected at the committee level. But seven new aldermen — half of the City Council — have been seated since that vote.

Buying the property helps the city boost its parking for the proposed riverfront sports complex to more than 500 spaces. There would have been less than 200 spaces without the property. The city plans to demolish portions of the factory building that were built after 1930. The original building, which dates back to the late 19th Century, would be left for potential redevelopment.

Architects are creating the blueprint for the construction of the downtown sports complex. The total project, including purchase of adjacent land, will cost about $22.4 million. The project is being funded through a mix of state grants, a portion of the new 2 percent hotel/motel tax in Winnebago County, and city and Park District funds.

Hervey was one of several aldermen who questioned what the city will have to sacrifice to pay for the overall cost of the sports complex. She said she supports the proposal and believes it will reap economic benefits, but she wanted more details from city administration about the potential ramifications of the extra debt on road projects, public safety and other city services.

“This isn’t magic. Somebody’s got to pay for this. We’re going to take a huge hit somewhere,” Hervey said. “I’m not willing to not add to our police department. I’m not willing to cut public works ... and some other areas that deal with the quality of life for our city.”

Other aldermen said the project is a worthwhile risk that will encourage more economic investment in the city, including new restaurants and businesses downtown to support the extra visitors.

Alderman Linda McNeely, D-13, votes “no” more often than any other member of the City Council. On Monday, she joked on the council floor that the Register Star should make room on the front page because “Alderman McNeely is voting yes.”

She said the sports complex earned her “yes” vote because it will benefit kids on the west side of Rockford, an area she represents. She also said she thinks the city and Park District, which she noted has a good track record on projects, will be able to pay for the work.

“This is going to be a world class center and I want to see those kids go there. I want to see those doors open for those kids,” McNeely said. “My vote tonight is a yes vote for the kids.”

Kevin Haas: 815-987-1410; khaas@rrstar.com; @KevinMHaas

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